goingglacial

The bottom line: lightweight, durable, versatile, the PERFECT layer to stash in your backpack (or even your purse) as an emergency layer for rain, wind, snow, hail…you name it.

The story: Jackets of this style have long been a source of contagious laughter in my adventurous family of five. My dad purchased tragically unfashionable forest green "windbreakers" from Mountain Hardwear for all five of us almost ten years. Whenever the wind swept up or a minor chill crept into the air, whether on Washington's Wonderland Trail or on the Baldface Mountains on the Maine/New Hampshire border, my dad would don his green jacket. While the rest of remained hesitant (or probably stubborn, to be more precise), my dad extolled the jacket for its lightweight comfort and protective powers. The jacket thus became the "versatile green layer" and the laughing stock of our goofy family. During the summer of 2009, as we battled wintry elements on the Dolomites' Alta Via 1, my dad took the "plunge" and purchased a new lightweight wind-breaking layer…this one baby blue. But the jokes have continued, and my dad's stylish, Italian-made windbreaker is affectionately referred to as his "versatile green layer."

In preparation for my 1,000-mile-long thru-hike across the Alps this summer, I decided to indulge myself by replacing my versatile green layer…well-aware that the replacement would likely fall outside the realm of green. While I initially ordered the women's Norrona Bitihorn (a comparable layer), I stumbled upon the Houdini en route to check-out. (Thanks, Backcountry). In addition to its windbreaking capacities, this jacket boasts the Patagonia Deluge DWR treatment--certainly not a replacement for a water-resistant rain shell with sealed zippers, but adequate for braving a light sprinkle or a quick jaunt in the rain. I was enjoying some May turns at Snowbird a few weeks ago when spring skiing turned precipitously to rain skiing. While I certainly would have preferred a full-fledged rain shell, my Houdini kept me adequately dry and comfortable for my remaining runs. The jacket features a fantastic hood, which isn't a guarantee on lightweight windbreakers. Note: the jacket can be folded up and placed inside its own side pocket, rendering it extremely compact and a no-brainer for any sort of outdoor adventure.

The bottom line: Another trustworthy, well-built, and, of course, water-resistant shell from Arc'teryx, the obvious choice if you are seeking a featherweight PacLite shell, nice styling features for the female form

The story: I purchased this shell a few months ago based on the durability and superiority of my Arc'teryx jacket and bibs that I have skied in for more than five seasons at Alta. I treat my Arc'teryx well, and it treats me even better. I started my search for a PacLite shell as I assembled my gear inventory for an 1,000-mile-long thru-hike across the Alps from Italy to Monaco this summer. "Light" is the buzzword, and Arc'teryx is my brand of choice, so purchasing this particular shell was a no-brainer. In addition to its featherweight specs, sealed zippers, and "high" pockets for easy access when wearing a pack with a belt, this shell features a longer, hip-length cut for taller ladies. I was organizing my pack for a jaunt up Little Superior a few weeks ago, and decided to cut as much unnecessary weight as usual. (My body was already protesting the slog up to Cardiff and beyond after ample physical activity during the previous few days, and I figured that a lighter-than-usual pack would certainly help my cause.) As I was running out the door, I threw the PacLite into my backpack…and was so glad to have it atop Little Superior when my beads of sweat started to dry. The jacket served me quite well on the ski descent, and I should note that the hood can be tightened for use during hiking, etc. or loosened for compatibility with a ski helmet. I have worn the jacket on multiple adventures in Little Cottonwood Canyon snow and rain since, and I am confident that this jacket will serve me quite well in the Alps.

The bottom line: superior comfort and durability, the PERFECT boot for short, long, and/or thru-hikes, ideal for narrow feet and ankles

The story: The Asolo Stynger has accompanied me with superior comfort and sturdiness on adventures in the Wasatch, the Pacific Northwest, New England, Tanzania, Italy, Peru, Bhutan, and beyond over the past ten years. I am a complete Asolo devotee; I have at least four pairs of well-worn and well-loved Stynger's, and a few fresh pairs in the closet for future use. The fact that Asolo has continued to produce this boot year-after-year with minimal changes to its structure is, in itself, a testament to the Stynger's superiority. I am complete honest in saying that over the course of 1,000+ miles in the Stynger, I have probably racked up all of four or five blisters. A few notes: these boots are definitely (!) on the narrower side for both foot and ankle. The boots are also true to size, so select your "normal" shoe size. The factory waterproofing job is quite good, and will likely cover you for a few weeks of use. (The boots proved resistant against four or five weeks of Alta snow before I decided to apply a new waterproofing coat.)

Stated simply, the Neo-Air is a remarkable advancement for Therm-A-Rest and for outdoors mattresses. My Prolite has accompanied me on adventures in Italy, Peru, Bhutan, Nepal, and beyond over the past ten years, but I have never actually found the mattress to be particularly practical or comfortable--between its bulkiness and the fact that I often find myself sleeping against the ground through the mattress. (And to be clear, I'm of a healthy, athletic.) Anyway, I discovered the Neo-Air in an aggressive search for HYPERlight, practical gear, which I will soon use on an 1,000-mile-long thru-hike across the Alps from Trieste, Italy, to Monaco from June through September. I had originally decided against bringing a sleeping pad, but the Neo-Air provides an easy, lightweight, compact, and comfortable fix. Get yours now!

I recently purchased this pair of softshell pants for a 1,000-mile-long thru-hike across the Alps from Italy to Monaco this summer. I have been recreating in the Wasatch in advance of my Alps adventure, and I continue to be impressed by the quality of construction (I wouldn't expect anything less from Arc'teryx) and the tapered female fit. Based on previous experience, softshell pants tend to be bulky and uncomfortable in action. The pants kept me toasty warm a few days ago when I woke up to howling winds at 12:30 a.m. in a parking lot on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to begin a 32-mile, 12-hour-long hiking adventure. I would definitely recommend sizing up a bit so that you can wear something like thermal underwear for added warmth. I am 5'9", 150 pounds, and the size large fits like a perfect glove with tights underneath.

Short and sweet: I am completely in love with this hat. Warm for late-evening adventures in the winter wonderland of Little Cottonwood Canyon, comfortable (with a micro-fleece lining around the ears), and, of course, cute.